Lime Hollow News

Universal Accessible Discovery Walkway

Dear editor:

I noted with a smile the story The Cortland Standard ran (Monday, October 23, 2006) entitled Parks help disabled face outdoor challenges. Interestingly, and happily, this very same trend is afoot here in Cortland: Lime Hollow Center for Environment & Culture (LHCEC) is right now developing a Universal Accessible Discovery Walkway adjacent to its new, nearly completed visitor center on McLean Road! Offering people with disabilities access to a marsh, stream and forest, the trail is another example of LHCEC’s mission to promote Cortland’s natural heritage and the health benefits of spending time outdoors.

It’s also a shining example of community working together, as our grant application to the Christopher Reeve Foundation was jointly written by volunteer experts in the community with input from the Francis Racker Center in Cortland and Ithaca, the Agency for Access to Independence, J.M. Murray Center, Inc., Board of Cooperative Educational Services, and the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at SUNY Cortland, among others. Moreover, two local Eagle Scout candidates, Matt Burkhard and Josh Capanzano, completed the first phase of the wheelchair accessible walkway this past weekend; along with 40 volunteers, and the leadership of Glenn Reisweber, Matt and Josh blazed a series of walkways that lead to an overlook site on Gracie Pond and a viewing area on a nearby trout stream that flows into Fall Creek.

The objective of this project is to provide people with disabilities an accessible, yet wild, natural habitat walkway that will enable multi-sensory experiences leading to self discovery of nature's uniqueness, repeated patterns, ecological relationships and our cultural heritage. Other goals include promoting community and a sense of history and place for all people, providing a place for tranquil rest and relaxation for all people, and promoting an understanding of the interrelationships between ecology and culture.

Those interested in learning more, or contributing to this important project, are encouraged to call LHCEC at 607-758-5462

Dr. Charles Yaple, Project Leader and Executive Director, LHCEC